NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND COMMUNITY SUPERVISION
HONORS 42 FALLEN COMRADES; AWARDS FIVE MEDALS FOR ACTIONS IN 2013

ALBANY - The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
Acting Commissioner, Anthony J. Annucci, joined by Deputy Secretary to the Governor for Public
Safety, Thomas Abt, today awarded one Medal of Honor and four Medals of Merit for humanitarian
and courageous acts, while honoring the memory of employees who have died in the line of duty
since 1861.

In a message to those gathered, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said: "Today’s ceremony
continues an important tradition in New York State law enforcement by providing an opportunity to
recognize courageous individuals in the Department, and to salute all of the dedicated men and women
at DOCCS who safeguard the people and communities of our state each day. On behalf of all New
Yorkers, I extend appreciation to the families of those who died in the line of duty. We will
always honor their memory and their distinguished service."

Medal of Honor

Correction Officer Nicholas Dimase, now retired from Green Haven Correctional Facility
(Dutchess County), earned the Medal of Honor for rescuing a Sergeant, who had collapsed while
fighting a smoky facility fire.

Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Thomas Abt said, "We commend today’s honorees, who saved lives
with their quick judgment, bravery, and willingness to sacrifice. They are part of DOCCS’s long
tradition of commitment to public service and protecting the people of New York. We also remember
the 42 heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and are thankful that no
additional names are being added at this year’s event."

NYS Assemblyman Daniel J. O’Donnell said, "Today we honor five exemplary employees of New York's
Department of Correction and Community Supervision. The incredible bravery and quick action of
these Corrections professionals saved lives and were invaluable in dealing with dangerous
situations. They are all deserving of this great honor. Today we also remember those employees who
gave their lives in the line of duty, and thank them from our hearts for their sacrifice."

NYS Senate Co-Leader Dean Skelos said, "Corrections Officers perform one of the most dangerous jobs
in the state. Their outstanding work, often under the most stressful conditions, deserves everyone’s
respect and admiration. Today we honor and remember 42 corrections employees that gave their lives
in the line of duty, and recognize the courage of five others who went above and beyond to provide
extraordinary service to the people of New York State."

Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci said, "This sacred, annual ceremony reaffirms two bedrock
principles of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. The first is that we will
always formally acknowledge and honor those employees who have exhibited extraordinary valor and
heroism in the past year. The second is that, regardless of the passage of time, we will never
forget those Department employees who have given their lives in the line of duty."

The annual ceremony takes place at the Academy’s 50-acre Albany campus. Since 1984, the Department
has awarded 118 Medals of Merit and 48 Medals of Honor. The centerpiece of the memorial park in
front of the Academy is an Empire blue granite memorial that stands 12 feet high, 6 feet wide, 18
inches deep and weighs 19,711 pounds. The names of fallen employees are enshrined with plaques
displayed in the Academy Memorial Room. Governor Cuomo’s proclamation of June 8-14, 2014 as
"Corrections and Community Supervision Employee Week" is also on display there. Photographs
from the ceremony will be available by evening.